How Morning Stretches can Change Your Whole Day

Story by Lexi Carter
Photo Courtesy of Kelsey Wooten

There’s no doubt that coming into a new semester can be difficult and tiring. Sure, caffeine can help curve the levels of tiredness, but it won’t keep you going for the whole day, nor does it have excellent health benefits that can benefit your life in the long run.

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can be difficult and time consuming, especially if it means you have to get up earlier, but getting up to stretch doesn’t add too much stress to an already stressful day.

Stretching isn’t just something that has to be done before you work out, but can be something done to kick off your whole day and keep your body healthy.

You’ll Have More EnergyHave you ever woken up and stretched your body or lifted your arms above your head in class to let out a good stretch? It usually feels good to do this and believe it or not it’s actually giving you more energy.

Livestrong states that stretching in the morning actually gives you energy for the whole day. Stretch when you first wake up in the morning in order to start your day off with higher energy.

It Will Improve Your PostureSitting in desks all day is common for college students, which can result in bad posture and a lot of slouching.

Because of poor posture, overstretched back and tight chest muscles can occur, but my starting your morning with a few simple stretches, it can open and loosen the muscles up, improving posture over time.

You Will Feel Fewer Body AchesBecause of bad posture, aches and pains are prone to happen. Aches and pains can happen at anytime throughout the day, but usually happen in the morning because the body has been at rest for most of the night. Stretching in the morning can reduce the fluid in the joints, relieving discomfort, helping you to be ready for the rest of your day.

It’s an Opportunity to Start Your Day with A SmileWhether you have 30 seconds or 30 minutes, taking the time to breathe, stretch and relax before you hit the ground running will have you feeling empowered and ready to take on the day.